ADU · Albany County
Can you build an ADU in Colonie, NY?
Village of Colonie has 7 districts. 5 districts allow ADUs with occupancy restrictions, 2 do not. Check your address to confirm the district that applies to your parcel:
What the Colonie code indicates by district
The table below shows how each district treats ADUs, alongside the lot and setback standards that govern a second unit. District boundaries and conditions vary, so treat this as a starting point and confirm the district that applies to your parcel.
| District | Min lot | Setbacks F / S / R | Max height | ADU |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Conservation/Residential | 1 ac | 25 / 10 / 25 ft | 35 ft | No |
| Commercial A | 0.9183 ac | 25 / 10 / 25 ft | 40 ft | Occupancy restricted |
| Commercial B | 0.9183 ac | 25 / 10 / 25 ft | 80 ft | Occupancy restricted |
| Commercial D | — | 45 / 25 / 45 ft | 35 ft | No |
| Residential A | 0.2152 ac | 25 / 10 / 25 ft | 35 ft | Occupancy restricted |
| Residential B | — | — | 45 ft | Occupancy restricted |
| Residential C | — | — | — | Occupancy restricted |
ADUs vs. short-term rentals in Colonie
Short-term rentals allowed with local rules for Village of Colonie. Village of Colonie requires a short-term rental permit and annual registry update per Village Building Department requirements. Specific local law number unconfirmed; verify at (518) 869-7562. These are separate questions from whether you can build an ADU — a unit you're allowed to add isn't automatically one you're allowed to rent nightly, so check both.
Good to know
- Residential lot minimum0.2152–1 ac — an ADU still has to fit the district's lot and setback envelope.
- UtilityNational Grid territory.
- Building dept(518) 869-7562
- Last reviewed2026-07-08
ADU FAQ — Colonie, NY
Are ADUs allowed in Colonie, NY?
Village of Colonie has 7 districts. 5 districts allow ADUs with occupancy restrictions, 2 do not. Check your address with the free ADU checker, or confirm with the building department at (518) 869-7562.
Do I need a special permit for an ADU in Colonie?
No district in Village of Colonie requires a special-use permit for an ADU - 5 districts allow ADUs with occupancy restrictions, 2 do not. Site-plan review or a building permit may still apply.
Can I use an ADU as a short-term rental in Colonie?
Short-term rentals allowed with local rules for Village of Colonie. ADU occupancy and short-term-rental rules are separate: an ADU you can build isn't automatically one you can rent nightly. Confirm both before you count on STR income.
What an ADU costs to build in Colonie
Permission is one question and budget is another. An 800 sq ft accessory unit here runs roughly $195k–260k at a standard finish, and the per-square-foot rate comes in above a full house because the kitchen, bath, panel and heating plant cost the same either way. See the full cost to build an ADU in Colonie, priced by size.
More on Colonie: Full zoning for new construction · ADU build cost · House build cost · All Albany County towns
ADU information for Village of Colonie is compiled from the municipal code (last reviewed 2026-07-08) and provided for decision-support only — not legal or architectural advice. ADU eligibility, size, owner-occupancy and permit conditions vary by district and often carry exceptions; verify with the building department at (518) 869-7562 before relying on any answer. Source: Offsite / Aldo zoning dataset, municipalData.js.